The Deni Rovers played their best game of the year against Berrigan on Saturday, according to coach Luke Moodie.

Berrigan is in third spot on the ladder and has only lost to Jerilderie and Strathmerton this season.

The Rovers, playing at home, kicked five goals to three in the third quarter and were trailing by 25 points at the last change before eventually falling 44 points behind.

‘‘It was definitely our best step forward. We’ve come a long way in the last four weeks,’’ Moodie said.

‘‘We knew we had to get off to a good start so it was pleasing to be still in the game at quarter-time.

‘‘The second quarter is probably where we lost it. I think we panicked a bit and gave away a few free-kicks.

‘‘With a bit more experience we would be able to stem the flow of good teams, but it was definitely pleasing to have more scoring and inside 50s than in previous weeks.’’

Final score: Berrigan 17.15 (117) def. 11.7 (73).

In the last two rounds the Saints have kicked seven goals to none in the first quarter against Mathoura and then six goals to none against Yarroweyah, but they were only able to register 1.5 against the Rovers.

The Roos kicked a goal of their own and were trailing by two points at the break, but the visitors kicked away in the second term.

Down by 38 points at half-time the Rovers fought back with five goals in the third stanza, their best effort in a single quarter this year.

Berrigan’s midfielders proved the difference in the last term, continually setting up forward thrusts to boot six goals, but it was the Rovers who kicked the last three goals of the game.

Consistent backman Matt Dowling was Deni’s best player, leading the Rovers’ tackle count and contested efforts, while ruckman Marc Braybon took strong marks around the ground and got a few clearances.

Skipper Terry Lumbar was firing for the Roos at centre half-forward, having an impact on the play and finishing with five goals.

After receiving a heavy knock, young wingman Joey Hay was sent to the forward pocket where he took a few marks and found himself in the right spots to be rewarded with two goals.